What can be an indication that a horse's coat is well-groomed?

A shiny and healthy appearance of a horse’s coat is a strong indication of good grooming practices and overall well-being. A glossy coat often reflects the horse's health, nutrition, and skin condition. Proper grooming helps to distribute natural oils in the coat, which contributes to this shine. Additionally, a healthy coat is usually associated with a balanced diet, good hydration, and appropriate care, indicating the horse is not only groomed well but also looked after in terms of its general health.

While being completely dry can be a sign of a well-groomed horse, it does not necessarily correlate with good coat condition or overall health. Similarly, the absence of visible dirt might suggest that the horse is clean but does not specifically reflect the luster and vitality of the coat. Even trimming of the coat can indicate grooming, but it doesn't inherently speak to the health or shine that is most remarkably associated with a well-groomed horse. Therefore, while all these factors may contribute to the overall grooming process, a shiny and healthy coat remains the most telling sign of effective grooming.